Mumbai: Tri-Services All Women Around The World Sailing Expedition 2024 Flagged Off By CME Commandant 

Training Expedition VIII as part of preparation for All Women Around The World Blue Water Sailing (BWS) Expedition scheduled later this year in September 2024 concluded yesterday at Marve, Mumbai. The team of 12 Women Officers of Indian Army, Navy & Air Force was flagged in by Lt Gen A K Ramesh, Commandant, College of Military Engineering, Pune. This event is being planned and conducted under the aegis of Army Adventure Wing (AAW) and Army Aqua Nodal Centre (AANC) of College of Military Engineering (CME).

The crew is undergoing numerous long & short distance training expeditions aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) MANYU VIR to build up the proficiency required to undergo such an onerous adventure. Training Expedition VIII was flagged off from Marve, Mumbai on 23 March 24 to Naval Detachment, Androth, Lakshadweep. A team of 12 Brave Women Warriors from Tri-Services to incl seven Indian Army, one Indian Navy & four Indian Air Force offrs successfully completed the arduous Mumbai-Lakshadweep-Mumbai sailing expedition braving the mighty oceans, varying wind conditions, sweltering heat and choppy waters continuously during day and night sailing. 

This epic adventurous journey of these warrior sailors spanned over a period of 27 days boosting their confidence and giving them a head start to achieve their final goal of circumnavigation! The expdn was conducted in four legs as under :-

    (a)    Leg 1.    Marve (Mumbai) – INS Kadamba (Karwar).

    (b)    Leg 2.    INS Kadamba – INS Dweeprakshak (Kavaratti).

    (c)    Leg 3.    INS Dweeprakshak – INS Kadamba.

(d)    Leg 4.    INS Kadamba – Marve (Mumbai).

The completion of this sailing expedition embarked upon by women warriors stands as a testament to their unwavering determination and resilience over the course of the journey, spanning vast stretches of the Arabian Sea, and have showcased exemplary teamwork, navigational prowess, and adaptability to varying sea conditions. Lt Gen AK Ramesh, Commandant CME flagged in the expedition at Mumbai on successful culmination of the expedition to Lakshadweep & back.

This historic expedition, first of its kind, marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime heritage and aims to break down the geographical & cultural barriers, fostering a sense of unity & camaraderie among the crew. It also celebrates jointmanship and resonates women empowerment through adventure. 

The treacherous expedition is a test of their physical and mental fortitude, while cultivating a sense of empowerment and sisterhood that will last a lifetime among the valiant women sailors. Despite encountering challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns and technical complexities, the team successfully completed the voyage, demonstrating their capability to overcome obstacles with grace and fortitude. Their journey not only exemplifies the spirit of adventure but also underscores the significance of fostering inclusivity and diversity within maritime endeavors. These brave woman warriors have so far completed more than 6000NM of watermanship training individually in the form of expeditions & routine training activities.